Electronic Devices for Communication and Entertainment

Electronic Devices for Communication and Entertainment
Digital media refers to any media form that utilizes electronic devices for communication and entertainment. It emerged in the mid-twentieth century, dominating the traditional media like radio, newspapers, magazines, journals and billboards (Crews & May, 2017). Although digital media is mostly preferred and used by consumers due to its efficiency, speed and availability, researchers have documented that it will not replace the traditional media completely as analog news outlets are constantly adapting and establishing new methods to remain competitive. However, as technology continues to advance, one cannot deny that digital media has a significant impact on the way of life (Fuery, 2008). It changes ways of education, entertainment, communication, and interaction. In the business sector, digital media changes how enterprises conduct businesses, starting from production to marketing and distribution. All these processes are conducted with the help of electronic devices. There are numerous fields within the digital media that strengthen digitization today. One of them is social media. This essay analyzes the influence of social media as one of the primary areas within the digital media.
Social Media
Social media is one of the fields within digital media that has greatly influenced the world today. It consists of online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Snapchart that allows users to interact and share opinions regarding a particular subject (Akram, 2017). People also use the platforms to create web content. The significant impacts of social media networks demonstrate that this field has become part of people’s lives. Many individuals are using their electronic devices to check tweets, posts and status updates from their families and friends. Billions of users worldwide use social media to connect and share information. On a personal level, social media enables users to communicate with friends and families, gain new knowledge, and be entertained (Crews & May, 2017).Professionally, social media networks allows users to expand their knowledge in particular areas and build their professional network by interacting with other experts in the industry (Siddiqui & Singh, 2016). At commercial level, this field allows businesses to connect with their clients, gain customer feedback and strengthen the brand (Akram, 2017). Social media has also influenced education, health, business and society, both negatively and positively.
Impact on Education
Several studies indicate that social media enhances learning opportunities. According to Siddiqui & Singh (2016), over 90% of middle, high school and college students use social media networks to connect with others. For instance, Facebook and similar platforms allow students to collaborate and exchange ideas. Some schools use blogs as teaching tools, reinforcing skills in English, creativity and written expression (Damota & Uninversity, 2019). However, the use of social media in learning has created distraction to students. Many students use their electronic devices to chat with friends or play computer games during class sessions. This usage makes them lose concentration, leading to reduced academic performance (Akram, 2017). The implication is that social media can affect learning positively and negatively. However, regulating its use in classroom can help ensure that students do not misuse electronic devices during learning.
Impact on Business
Social media is a powerful marketing tool for businesses that intend to build a brand and generate sales with an online presence. The platforms help create news, build connections, and win clients (Akram, 2017). Businesses use this digital media field to improve their performance by increasing sales and promoting their products and services. Product promotion is becoming efficient through social media. Many businesses market their products online to attract maximum customers (Siddiqui & Singh, 2016). With the growth of technology, online advertisement has become a more cost-effective and convenient tool used by businesses to market their products and services. Businesses that utilize social media platforms for product and service promotion can benefit from increased sales and profits because they establish connections with many clients.
Impact on Healthcare
Research on social media use in healthcare has pointed out various effects of social media use by stakeholders in the hea...